Load anchoring device

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for anchoring a load to the platform of a transporting mechanism including hinge means having its base affixed to the platform and having a backplate which may be pivoted into load engaging position perpendicular to the platform surface. The hinge means backplate is provided with a series of slots and a spring loaded pin oriented transversely thereto in a bore which intersects the slots whereby an apertured flange extending from a load may be passed through a backplate slot located at the appropriate elevation and the flange aperture will be engaged by the pin.

O United States Patent 1 [111 3,730,552 Clark [4 1 May 1, 1973 [54] LOADANCHORING DEVICE 2,828,023 3/1958 Berra ..24s/119 R ll.l R.F..N.1,'-[76] Inventor 2:3; 2 3 12 D O Hlg Primary Examiner-Kenneth H. Betts gAssistant Examiner-Robert R. Song [22] Filed: Dec. 23, 1971Attorney-David S. Fishman et al. [21] Appl. No.: 211,317 ABSTRACTApparatus for anchoring a load to the platform of a 2? ga "280/179 2transporting mechanism including hinge means having [58] id ...280 :179I its base affixed to the platform and having a backplate 1 0 s whichmay be pivoted into load engaging position per- 4 /361 9 2 2/ 8 105/369R pendicular to the platform surface. The hinge means backplate isprovided with a series of slots and a [56] References C'ted springloaded pin oriented transversely thereto in a UNITED STATES PATENTS borewhich intersects the slots whereby an apertured flange extendmg from aload may be passed through a 1,780,277 11/1930 Seeley ..280/ 179 Rbackplate slot located at the appropriate elevation and 1,780,317 1l/l930 Snyder ...280/l79 R th flange aperture will be engaged by thepin. 2,901,267 8/1959 Holsclan... ..280/l79 R 3,420,489 1/1969 Doggett.248/361 R 14 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures ,f%if i a/fi2o BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to theanchoring of loads to platforms which are employed to transport suchloads from location to location. More specifically, this invention isdirected to anchoring devices for securing loads in position on flat bedtype trailers. Accordingly, the general objects of the present inventionare to provide novel and improved methods and apparatus of suchcharacter.

2. Description of the Prior Art While not limited thereto in itsutility, the present invention has been found to be particularly wellsuited for the anchoring of vehicles to the beds of trailers employed intransporting of such vehicles. For reasons which are abundantly obvious,it is necessary to securely anchor such vehicular loads to the trailerplatform during transit. The anchoring mechanism must be sturdy,reliable and, since it may often be necessary to operate the mechanismunder adverse weather conditions, easy to use. In addition, theanchoring mechanism should be capable of being repositioned between theload engaging state and a state where it will not interfere with on andoffloading of the trailer.

A number of prior art devices have been proposed for use in theanchoring of loads to movable platforms. These prior art devices have,however, been characterized by rather complex operation whichcontributed to difficulties in use, expense and a possibility of theirbecoming inoperative due to dirt or ice contamination. In addition, noneof the previously available devices have been characterized by ease ofattachment to the load transporting platform and accordingly have beenavailable only as original equipment. There are, of course, many flatbed type trailers in use which have been either homemade by sportsmen orpurchased for purposes other than transporting expensive equipment longdistances and these trailers are lacking in anchoring devices whichpermit simple, quick and positive load tie-down.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention overcomes the above briefly discussed and otherdisadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing a noveldevice for anchoring a load to a transporting platform. The inventioncomprises a hinged member having its base plate element adapted to bepermanently and securely affixed to the upper surface of thetransporting platform. If deemed necessary or desirable, a backing platemay be employed beneath the platform to provide added strength. Thepivotal element of the hinged member is adapted to lie flat against thesurface of the platform when not in use and is pivoted to an upright,load engaging position when in use. The pivotal element may be providedwith one or a plurality of slots which receive an apertured bracketextending from the load. The pivotal load engaging element is alsoprovided with a longitudinal bore which intersects the slot or slots.Anchoring of the load is achieved by inserting the apertured bracketthrough the slot located at the appropriate level and thereafterinserting a locking pin into the longitudinal bore so as to pass throughthe aperture in the load bracket. In a preferred embodiment, the lockingpin is spring loaded and is permanently affixed to the pivotal elementof the hinge member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The present invention may be betterunderstood and its numerous objects and advantages will become apparentto those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawingwherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the severalfigures and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a flat bed trailer provided with two anchoringdevices manufactured in accordance with the present 4 invention, one ofthe anchoring devices being shown in the operative position and theother device being in the inoperative position;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a first embodiment of the present inventiondepicted in the inoperative or storage position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the anchoring device of FIG. 2 in theoperative or load engaging position;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in the loadengaging position;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view, taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 2,showing the hinge mechanism of the disclosed embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:

With reference now to the drawing, and particularly to FIG. 1, a flatbed trailer is indicated generally at 10. Trailer 10 is provided with atongue 12 for towing and a pair of wheels 14 14; the trailer beingpivotable about the axle which interconnects wheels 14. As shown in FIG.1, a snowmobile indicated generally at 16 is anchored to the platform 18of trailer 10 by means of an anchoring device indicated generally at 20.A second similar anchoring device is shown in the inoperative positionat 22.

As previously noted, while not limited thereto in its utility, thepresent invention is particularly well suited for use in the anchoringof equipment such as snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and the like tothe platform of a trailer used to transport such vehicles over thehighways to utilization sites where they are off-loaded. Most vehiclessold to sportsmen, such as snowmobiles, are provided with a towing flapwhich may be used for the pulling of trailers, skiers, etc., either viadirect connection or by means of rope or cable. These towing flaps arein the nature of either an apertured extension welded or bolted to therear end of the vehicle or an apertured tab pivotally mounted from thevehicle. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a towing flap is indicated at 24and is provided with an aperture 26.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the anchoring device of the presentinvention comprises hinge means having a base member 28 and a plate 30pivotally mounted with respect to base 28 by means of a hinge or pivotconnection indicated generally at 31. The base member 28 is providedwith a plurality of holes, such as holes 32 of FIG. 3, through whichanchor bolts 34 may be inserted. Bolts 34 will pass through holes 32 andthe platform 18 of trailer 10. The base member 28 will be secured to theplatform by means which engage the threaded ends of bolts 34 beneathplatform 18. Depending upon the weight of the load to be anchored, thesecuring may be accomplished through the use of nuts and washers.However, in the interest of enhancing the strength of the assembly andpreventing damage to the trailer platform, it is usually deemeddesirable to employ a backing plate such as plate 36 of FIG. 3. Plate 36may be provided with threaded sockets as shown for receiving the ends ofbolts 34 and/or the bolts may pass through apertures in backing plate 36and be locked in position with nuts and lock washers beneath the backingplate.

While the invention may be machined from bar stock, in the interest ofmanufacturing economies at least pivotable plate 30 will typically bestamped in such a manner as to provide the rolled over edges andlongitudinal reinforcing rib 37 as'shown in'FIG. 3. Plate 30 will beprovided with a series of slots 40, 40' and 40 at spaced locationsadjacent the free end thereof. The slots 40 are of suitable size andshape to permit insertion of the aforementioned towing flapstherethrough. In addition, as may best be seen from a jointconsideration of FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, plate 30 is stamped so as to providea series of alternately directed corrugations which cooperate to definea longitudinal bore or channel which extends from the free end of plate30 and intersects each of the slots 40. Plate 30 is also provided with awindow intermediate the slot 40 and the free end of the plate.

A locking pin 46 is inserted in the longitudinal bore in member 30 andis loaded by means of spring 48 to the position where it intersects oneor more of slots 40. Spring 48 is mounted on pin 46 and positionedwithin the window 48 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; the spring beingcompressed between the side of window 44 positioned towards the free endof plate 30 and a projection 50 extending from pin 46. It is to be notedthat, in the embodiment disclosed, pin 46 will only intersect slot whenin the operative or load engaging position. While it is possible toprovide a pin 46 of sufficient length to intersect more than a singleslot, it is deemed preferable to use replacement pins with the length ofthe pin being dictated by the location of the flap on the load.

The bottom end of plate 30, considering the operative position, isrolled over to form a hinge loop 52 as shown in FIG. 5. Hinge 52 isengaged by a hinge pin 54 suitably mounted in a cut-out formed in theedge of base 28.

In use, the anchoring device of the present invention will initially bein the position represented by device 22 of FIG. I; In'this position thepivotal member 30 lies flat against the platform 18 of the trailer 10and does not interfere with loading and unloading of snowmobile 16 orany other load which may be secured by the invention. When thesnowmobile or other load has been driven or otherwise positioned inplatform 18, member 30 is pivoted to the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4and an apertured flap 24 extending from the load will be engaged by oneof slots 40 in member 30. At the time of engagement the pin 46 will havebeen retractedby drawing the pin upwardly thus compressing spring 48.

When the flap is inserted in the slot, the aperture 26 will be alignedwith the longitudinal bore which intersects the slot and the pin will bereleased so as to pass through aperture 26 thus locking the load inposition as shown in FIG. 4.

As will now be obvious to those skilled in the art, a secure andpositive means for anchoring a load to a platform is provided by thepresent invention. The invention is characterized by simplicity and easeof operation. In addition, the invention may be applied to existingtrailers and may easily be installed and moved to new positions asdictated by the load since the positioning of the anchoring device iscritical to balancing the trailer as is necessary when towing.

While a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, variousmodifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to beunderstood that the present invention has been described by way ofillustration and not limitation.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for anchoring a load to a platform, the load being providedwith an apertured mounting bracket, the anchoring apparatus comprising:

base plate means;

means for affixing said base plate means to a platform;

load engaging means pivotally attached to said base plate means, saidload engaging means having at least a first opening therein, saidopening being adapted to receive the mounting bracket on the load, saidload engaging means further being provided with a bore which intersectssaid opening; and

pin-means received in said bore, said pin means including a shaftcommensurate in size with the aperture in the mounting bracket on theload whereby said shaft may be caused to engage the aperture bymanipulation of said pin means when said load engaging means has beenpivoted to a use position with the mounting bracket received in saidopening provided therefore.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pin means comprises:

a shaft received in said load engaging means bore;

and

spring means urging said shaft in the load engaging direction wherebysaid shaft normally bridges said opening in said load engaging means.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said load engaging means comprises:

elongated arm means defining said opening and said bore; and

hinge means mounting a first end of said arm means to said base platemeans, said hinge means including a hinge pin received in said baseplate means.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said opening is oriented generallyparallel with said hinge pin wherein said bore is oriented transverselyto said opening.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said arm means further includes:

a window in said arm means, said window being located between the secondend thereof and said opening, said bore intersecting said window.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said pin means comprises:

a locking pin having a shaft received in said bore and a head, saidshaft being provided with a projection intermediate its length;

a spring mounted on said shaft between said projection and said head,said spring being disposed within said load engaging means arm windowand cooperating with said projection and the top of said window wherebysaid pin means is urged in the direction where said pin shaft normallybridges said opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for affixing said baseplate means to a platform comprises:

a plurality of apertures in said base plate means;

fastener means extending through said apertures and the platform; and

backing plate means located beneath the platform.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means for affixing said baseplate means to a platform comprises:

a plurality of apertures in said base plate means;

fastener means extending through said apertures and the platform; and

backing plate means located beneath the platform.

9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said load engaging means comprises:

a longitudinally extending arm of generally rectangular shape, said armhaving an integral hinge formed on the first end thereof, said armfurther having a plurality of openings formed therein, said boreintersecting all of said openings whereby said load engaging means maybe connected to mounting brackets located at different elevations.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said bore is defined by a series ofalternately directed corrugations which cooperate to define alongitudinal channel extending inwardly from the second end of said arm.

11. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said bore is defined by a series ofalternately directed corrugations which cooperate to define alongitudinal channel extending inwardly from the second end of said arm.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said bore is defined by a series ofalternately directed corrugations which cooperate to define alongitudinal channel extending inwardly from the second end of said arm.

13. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said elongated arm means is in theform of a longitudinally extending plate of generally rectangular shape,said hinge means being formed integrally with said longitudinal plateand at the first end thereof, said arm means further comprising:

a plurality of additional openings formed in said longitudinal plate,said bore intersecting all of the openings whereby said load engagingmeans may be connected to mounting brackets located at differentlocations.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said bore is defined by a seriesof alternately directed corrugations which cooperate to define thelongitudinal channel extending inwardly from the second end of saidlongitudinal plate.

1. Apparatus for anchoring a load to a platform, the load being providedwith an apertured mounting bracket, the anchoring apparatus comprising:base plate means; means for affixing said base plate means to aplatform; Load engaging means pivotally attached to said base platemeans, said load engaging means having at least a first opening therein,said opening being adapted to receive the mounting bracket on the load,said load engaging means further being provided with a bore whichintersects said opening; and pin means received in said bore, said pinmeans including a shaft commensurate in size with the aperture in themounting bracket on the load whereby said shaft may be caused to engagethe aperture by manipulation of said pin means when said load engagingmeans has been pivoted to a use position with the mounting bracketreceived in said opening provided therefore.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said pin means comprises: a shaft received in said load engagingmeans bore; and spring means urging said shaft in the load engagingdirection whereby said shaft normally bridges said opening in said loadengaging means.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said load engagingmeans comprises: elongated arm means defining said opening and saidbore; and hinge means mounting a first end of said arm means to saidbase plate means, said hinge means including a hinge pin received insaid base plate means.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said openingis oriented generally parallel with said hinge pin wherein said bore isoriented transversely to said opening.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4wherein said arm means further includes: a window in said arm means,said window being located between the second end thereof and saidopening, said bore intersecting said window.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5wherein said pin means comprises: a locking pin having a shaft receivedin said bore and a head, said shaft being provided with a projectionintermediate its length; a spring mounted on said shaft between saidprojection and said head, said spring being disposed within said loadengaging means arm window and cooperating with said projection and thetop of said window whereby said pin means is urged in the directionwhere said pin shaft normally bridges said opening.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said means for affixing said base plate means to aplatform comprises: a plurality of apertures in said base plate means;fastener means extending through said apertures and the platform; andbacking plate means located beneath the platform.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 6 wherein said means for affixing said base plate means to aplatform comprises: a plurality of apertures in said base plate means;fastener means extending through said apertures and the platform; andbacking plate means located beneath the platform.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein said load engaging means comprises: a longitudinallyextending arm of generally rectangular shape, said arm having anintegral hinge formed on the first end thereof, said arm further havinga plurality of openings formed therein, said bore intersecting all ofsaid openings whereby said load engaging means may be connected tomounting brackets located at different elevations.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9 wherein said bore is defined by a series of alternately directedcorrugations which cooperate to define a longitudinal channel extendinginwardly from the second end of said arm.
 11. The apparatus of claim 3wherein said bore is defined by a series of alternately directedcorrugations which cooperate to define a longitudinal channel extendinginwardly from the second end of said arm.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8wherein said bore is defined by a series of alternately directedcorrugations which cooperate to define a longitudinal channel extendinginwardly from the second end of said arm.
 13. The apparatus of claim 6wherein said elongated arm means is in the form of a longitudinallyextending plate of generally rectangular shape, said hinge means beingformed integrally with said longitudinal plate and at the first endthereof, said arm means further comPrising: a plurality of additionalopenings formed in said longitudinal plate, said bore intersecting allof the openings whereby said load engaging means may be connected tomounting brackets located at different locations.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 13 wherein said bore is defined by a series of alternatelydirected corrugations which cooperate to define the longitudinal channelextending inwardly from the second end of said longitudinal plate.